Four small shields facing forward, with a fifth turned around and set apart on an olive background.

Original artwork, not a still

Euripides

Cowards do not count in battle; they are there, but not in it.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker draws a distinction between being present at a battle and actively taking part in it. Calling cowards present but absent sharpens that contrast. In this judgment, physical location contributes little unless it is accompanied by the courage to act.

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